News Releases

SUBJECT:

Grenfell: Forum to examine Artistic Expression, Identity and the Aboriginal Experience in Western Newfoundland

DATE:

Nov. 12, 2008

Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Art Gallery, in conjunction with Grenfell’s social/cultural studies program, will host a forum titled Artistic Expression, Identity and the Aboriginal Experience in Western Newfoundland on Friday, Nov. 14, 12-1:30 p.m. Speakers for the forum will be drawn from local Aboriginal and Grenfell academic communities. The format of the panel will be a talking circle. This forum is being held in conjunction with the current gallery exhibition, Red Eye: First Nations Short Films and Video, a collection of short films and video by First Nations artists and filmmakers from across the continent. Many of the films in the series seek to debunk stereotypes and also to construct positive identity. Most are rooted in the culture of storytelling. Curator Ryan Rice, a Mohawk of Kahnawake, Que., said that “many indigenous communities were introduced to video as a critical tool for documenting language and cultural events in order to preserve and enrich cultural and educational activities. Video documentation also became an important activist tool, which has aided in Indigenous peoples’ causes worldwide.” The forum will look at local artistic expression and the role it plays in identity, as well as the resurgence in traditional culture and issues of self-identity among Aboriginal populations in western Newfoundland. The event is open to the public. Bring your lunch! For more information, contact Charlotte Jones, acting director, Grenfell art gallery, at (709) 637-6207.